Gas prices are at their lowest levels in years, but environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles still pique the interest of many car shoppers. The Ford Fusion Hybrid has a long pedigree as an award-winning vehicle ever since it won the 2013 Green Car of the Year award.
But it’s more than the Fusion’s hybrid status that attracts buyers. It is an excellent mid-size sedan that delivers better fuel economy, impressive technology, top-notch safety features, and an excellent design. If fuel economy is not a main priority for you, then you might be attracted to the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s roominess, refinement, and attractive good looks. Its interior cabin is spacious and will easily fit four adults.
Green Police Cruisers
One of the latest customers to purchase a fleet of Ford Fusion hybrids was a big city police department. This year, the Los Angeles Police Department went green and chose Ford Fusion hybrids for its new police cruisers, replacing all of their older models with the new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan. The department expects the vehicles will be economical and environmentally efficient, as well as effective at fighting crime.
What was their main incentive? Of course the LAPD wanted to maintain an effective tool to fight crime but it also was seeking an economically and environmentally efficient vehicle. The force has projected that it will double the fuel economy of its current police vehicles performing the same tasks.
How does this work? The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that helps to power the high electrical loads of the police vehicle. In addition, it reduces engine run time and saves an estimated 0.27 gallons of fuel per hour, all while idling. That means that police forces could net nearly $3,900 a year in potential fuel savings per vehicle, a large sum for some cash-strapped departments.
Plus, this new hybrid vehicle will be the first sedan with full pursuit capabilities, especially important for police who often chase suspects. It features an upgraded suspension, stronger brakes, skidplates, and rearranged seats to accommodate police equipment. This specially-designed Fusion Hybrid car is certified by police agencies to be tough enough to handle police pursuits for longer periods at different speeds and over obstacles, such as curbs and flooded intersections.
New Sales League
It’s not just the police who are attracted to 2017 Ford Fusion hybrid vehicles. During the first five months of 2017, Ford’s Fusion hybrid has recorded phenomenal sales, coming in second with 25,840 sales from January through May 2017. Hybrid buyers are attracted to its 42 mpg from the 188-horsepower, 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain – along with the vehicle’s variety of creature comforts, amenities, and quality throughout.
There are other unique features that will certainly spark your curiosity about the Fusion Hybrid. Let’s look at some of the cool technology. If your hands are full with groceries or children, Ford’s Smart Key technology allows you nearly hands-free entrance to the vehicle. If you need to enter the Fusion Hybrid, all you need to do is touch the door handle and the car will quickly unlock. Conversely, if you need to lock the car, just tap the door handle’s top. What if you need to start the engine? That’s easy, too. With the push of a button, it will start as long as your car key is in your pocket.
What if you’re on the highway and following a slower car? The 2017 Ford Fusion offers its drivers a nifty feature called Adaptive Cruise Control. Here again, Ford engineers have moved their drivers into the future. Rather than the traditional method of tapping your brakes or adjusting your cruise control, your Fusion Hybrid will take control and slow the vehicle to a safe distance from the slower vehicle ahead.
Now, this next feature is truly revolutionary and also a bit out of the “Twilight Zone.” Ford has developed a system for your Fusion Hybrid that helps to find a parking spot for you and then parks your car for you. Parking Assist is even smart enough to determine if the spot is big enough. As the driver, all you have to do is shift, accelerate, and brake. Now that you’ve successfully maneuvered into the spot, how do you get out? No problem. The Fusion will automatically move the vehicle backwards and forwards until you’re out of the spot. In 2017, Ford engineers have enabled the Fusion Hybrid to back into a perpendicular parking spot. It also has handy side sensors to keep your vehicle free from scratches or dents within the confines of the parking spot.
No More Blind Spots
Many drivers constantly struggle with their vehicle’s blind spots. But the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid gives you some additional help. You’ll be instantly alerted if another person or vehicle is in your blind spot by a small indicator light on the exterior mirrors. If you’re busy turning into a street or highway with someone or something in the way, your Ford Fusion Hybrid will give you an audible alert. Amazingly, the car will even tell you the precise left or right direction of the oncoming vehicle.
Experts have praised the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid as the autonomous car of the future and for good reason. It can even sense when a pedestrian is near and alert the driver via a piercing sound, accompanied by a red light warning. That will certainly help any parent who is distracted by their children. After the car senses the pedestrian, it will prepare for you to brake or will automatically brake if you don’t act soon enough.
Ford is also receiving accolades for its increased safety features on the Fusion Hybrid. Who would have thought that its engineers would develop rear inflatable seat belts? These protect your backseat passengers and reduce injuries in a crash.
What else is new on the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid? In addition to the built-in navigation and software, Ford has added Sync 3 to allow you to plug in an iPhone or Android phone and get access to CarPlay or Android Auto for your driving pleasure. If you’re looking for the ultimate hybrid, take a test drive in a Ford Fusion Hybrid’s new Platinum trim level. No matter the outside temperature, you’ll enjoy its standard heated and cooled seats and dual-zone climate control to keep you and your passengers comfortable. You’ll also be amazed at your ability to customize the accent lighting color throughout the car using the on-screen controls.
With all of these driver assist and safety features, it’s no wonder that 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid sales are going strong. Proof that today’s car sales are no longer strictly driven by the price of gas.
